Asian Lantern Festival at Pittsburgh Zoo, August 14 through October 30.

via @pghzoo

The Pittsburgh Zoo will hold its first Asian Lantern Festival from August 14 through October 30.

The Zoo will embark on a bold new adventure in 2021 with the opening of the Asian Lantern Festival at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, an evening experience that will shine a light on conservation, community, and diversity.

Select nights now through Saturday, October 30, the Zoo will illuminate the city with the glow of colossal, wildlife-themed, handcrafted lanterns.

These towering steel and silk sculptures will encompass three connected themes: the Zoo, our global species conservation partnerships, and Asian culture.

As dusk settles in, the lanterns will begin to glow. Revelers will stroll the winding pathways of the Zoo, pausing to admire the beautiful lights, experience awe-inspiring entertainment, and discover the cultural diversity of our region.

The Asian Lantern Festival is a family-friendly nighttime event that requires a separate ticket from Zoo daytime admission.

Timed tickets are available online, at $19.95 for adults and $16.95 for children, with discounted prices for zoo members.

I've written about paper lantern festivals before, and how Pittsburgh should host one on its rivers, most recently in December.